Founded in 2015 by Donegal native Chris Healy, Goose & Gander was originally located in the small village of Carrigart but has since found a busier home on the Main Street in the centre of the small town of Downings. Located in the former Tramore Inn, it's easy to find (and with parking at the GAA club across the road if street spaces are full) it's an atmospheric mixture of old and new with rustic and modern features complementing the old Tramore Bar.
Chef/owner Chris put in a lot of practice in the early days at Carrigart, to perfect the dough ("light and crisp, and the cracker crust is synonymous with Goose") and the wood-fired oven infuses the pizza dough with a more-ishly smoky flavour. The diverse menu is made up of blackboard specials that have featured over the years caters to all palates. It demonstrates Chris’s creativity, with classic options like Margherita and Pepperoni sitting comfortably alongside the more unusual creations such as Pear William (brie, pear, pesto, rocket, walnuts) and Hey Pesto (basil pesto base, black olives, tomato, goat cheese). Sharing dishes like dressed bresaola, rocket salad, nduja and mascarpone bread add to the appeal and the variety offered ensures there is something for everyone - and, while it would be nice to see local and other Irish producers featured, everything tastes delicious.
Families are especially welcome at Goose & Gander and the cutlery, paper napkins, and pizza cutters arranged in a charming flower pot at the centre of each table flag the family dining style. While there is no dedicated children's menu, the wide range of pizzas offered ensures that younger diners are well-catered for, and there's an option to do half-and-half orders, which extends the variety.
Complementing the pizza and sharing dishes menu is a concise wine list featuring five reds, five whites, one rosé, and one Prosecco, all very reasonably priced.
The pizzeria's outdoor covered area with picnic tables provides a perfect spot for those who prefer al fresco dining or if there’s a wait for an indoor table. Inside, the dark dining room enhances the cosy atmosphere.
Comfortably serving up to 400 people a night during the bustling summer season, it's clear that Goose & Gander has struck a chord with locals and visitors alike.
